Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Shortlisted for Two Leading Sector Awards

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted for two Charity Times Awards, which recognise best practice and excellence in the UK charity and non-for-profit sector.

The Trust was shortlisted in two categories: Cross Sector Partnership of the Year, for our work with education charity AQA on our AQA Unlocking Potential programme; and Rising CEO Star, where Emma Atkins was acknowledged in her first year as CEO.

The national charity uses world class athletes to support young people facing disadvantage and empowers them to realise the attitudes needed to live a positive life. The Trust recently announced that it will expand its transformational mentoring programmes to reach over 70,000 young people facing disadvantage in every area of the UK by 2020.

“It’s a real honour and privilege to have been shortlisted for this [Rising CEO Star] award, in a sector that has so many outstanding leaders. This is real testament to the impact we’ve made as a team at the Trust over the past twelve months, working alongside our exceptional partners to transform the lives of thousands of young people facing disadvantage and support world class athletes in their lives beyond sport.

“I’m also delighted that our five year partnership with AQA has rightly got the recognition it deserves. AQA Unlocking Potential has not only transformed the lives of students but also delivered lasting change to local communities. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and I look forward to building even further on this partnership in the years to come.”

Mark Moulding, Head of PR and Media at AQA, added:

“When we approached the Trust five years ago to set up AQA Unlocking Potential we could only have dreamed of the amazing impact it has had on so many young people. Our staff have taken it to their hearts too – they regularly volunteer to help with community projects, and hold fundraising events to support the Trust.

“It is hugely rewarding for everyone involved in this inspirational programme to be shortlisted for this award.”

Now in its 17th year, the awards are run by Charity Times Magazine – the leading title for UK non-profit professionals. This year’s winners will be announced at the Charity Times Awards Gala Dinner & Ceremony on 28 September 2016 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London. The event was attended by over 600 guests in 2015 and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever.